National General Insurance - Do not use or trust

[DaleFunkhouser]

I am Dale Funkhouser, I have a 2019 Airstream Nineteen on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. I drove my vehicle into the Mercedes Dealership in October 2025 to have the windshield replaced. While it was in the shop they did a software update. When I drive it home the dash error lights were flashing, this was new. The next day I called Mercedes and complained and was told the upgraded software would not cause this and there must be another problem. The following day I went to start the RV to bring it back to the dealer and it would not start. I had it towed to the dealer.

Upon inspection they found there was rodent damage to the wiring harness. I opened a claim with National General Insurance. We are currently 2 months into this, and they just denied the claim, stating that the damage must be "sudden and direct". This is ridiculous as rodent damage is never sudden and direct, and rodent damage is covered under comprehensive. My RV parking is next to my home, on a 20' x 40' covered cement parking area. There are no plants, bushes or dirt anywhere near the RV.

This is way beyond reasonable. I don't know if it is because we are senior citizens and the claims department feels we can be bullied or fooled or if it is just a game to someone. My wife is disabled, and we use this vehicle to accommodate some of her disability needs. I want everyone to be aware that National General is not honorable and will use any excuse to avoid paying a claim.

 

[Holdmybeer]

I am Dale Funkhouser, I have a 2019 Airstream Nineteen on a 2018 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. I drove my vehicle into the Mercedes Dealership in October 2025 to have the windshield replaced. While it was in the shop they did a software update. When I drive it home the dash error lights were flashing, this was new. The next day I called Mercedes and complained and was told the upgraded software would not cause this and there must be another problem. The following day I went to start the RV to bring it back to the dealer and it would not start. I had it towed to the dealer.

Upon inspection they found there was rodent damage to the wiring harness. I opened a claim with National General Insurance. We are currently 2 months into this, and they just denied the claim, stating that the damage must be "sudden and direct". This is ridiculous as rodent damage is never sudden and direct, and rodent damage is covered under comprehensive. My RV parking is next to my home, on a 20' x 40' covered cement parking area. There are no plants, bushes or dirt anywhere near the RV.

This is way beyond reasonable. I don't know if it is because we are senior citizens and the claims department feels we can be bullied or fooled or if it is just a game to someone. My wife is disabled, and we use this vehicle to accommodate some of her disability needs. I want everyone to be aware that National General is not honorable and will use any excuse to avoid paying a claim.

What does your policy read? Gemini AI says comprehensive should cover rodent damage. Don't let them off the hook.

 

[DaleFunkhouser]

Trying to fight, but it's difficult to even find the contact for any executives. Only phone goes to claims and when I found an email address for an executive... my email was rejected "not on the approved sender list for this recipient".
Filed with department of Insurance, but it takes 30 days just for them to start a review. Posting this anywhere I can hoping someone at National General will care or respond. Yes, I have full coverage and the policy says it covers damage from animals... a rodent is an animal. They say the damage occurred over time, so it was not sudden and direct and was denied.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Trying to fight, but it's difficult to even find the contact for any executives. Only phone goes to claims and when I found an email address for an executive... my email was rejected "not on the approved sender list for this recipient".
Filed with department of Insurance, but it takes 30 days just for them to start a review. Posting this anywhere I can hoping someone at National General will care or respond. Yes, I have full coverage and the policy says it covers damage from animals... a rodent is an animal. They say the damage occurred over time, so it was not sudden and direct and was denied.

Try your State Insurance Commission. National General’s tactic ( and that of other insurance providers, especially health) is too frustrate you to the point you’ll just go away. Sometimes when they realize you’re not going away they’ll come around.

 

[DaleFunkhouser]

Filed with California Department of Insurance, but it takes 30 days just for them to start a review.

 

[Rd1]

A couple of observations for your consideration;

I have dealt with CDI extensively a few years back. IMO, CDI is there more to protect the insurance companies than the public, despite their claim to be the largest consumer protection agency in the state (if they still claim as such). Ironically, CDI runs at the public expense!!

However, having said that, if I had issues with insurance co, I'd file complaints with CDI regardless. They need to be put on notice. Nevertheless, I'd file my complaint via certified mail (with return receipt), to make it fully official. Not just some on line complaint form, one out of hundreds of other complaints.

The more effective approach, in my experience, is to address the issue directly with the person in charge. I suggest consider writing a letter addressed to the CEO of the insurance CO and copied to their legal counsel. I'd send both letters via USPS certified service and return receipt. Emails, calls are just for runarounds. Its unfortunate, most folks nowadays, shy away from writing letters. A written letter, sent officially, still caries some weight.

If you write the letter, please make sure you are factual, explain the circumstances and include a copy of your insurance coverage highlighting the animal damage coverage. A written letter forces them to provide you an explanation of the coverage denial, in writing, whether justified or not. That would be the first step to get the ball rolling. Hope this helps.

 

[SGilbert]

You need to file in small claims court if the total repair falls within the state's limits.
Otherwise, hire a lawyer.